PAEROTS. 
171 
quarter of the globe except Europe. The species are very 
numerous^ and vary in size from the gigantic Macaw to the 
diminutive Love-bird. Tliey are characterized by having a 
hard solid beak^ which bulges on all sides^ and has at the 
base of the upper mandible a membrane^ in which the nos- 
trils are pierced ; the bill is hooked, in some of the genera, 
to a very great extent, and used in climbing as if it were a 
third foot ; the tongue is thick and fleshy, a structure which 
gives many of them great facility in imitating the human 
voice. Many birds are better mimics of the notes and songs 
of others, but none can copy our words or imitate our laugh- 
ter like the parrots. In consequence of this power some of 
the parrots are petted ; and, by teaching, learn to repeat even 
short sentences with a plainness and accuracy which are 
surprising. Their food is exclusively vegetable; and in 
eating they make great use of one of their feet, by which 
they convey what they take to their mouth, and also hold 
the article till it is consumed. 
The large beaks of the Parrot tribe are not only powerful 
prehensile instruments, but frequently serve to strip off 
leaves or other things which keep them from their food. 
Thus Mr. Macgillivray believes that the powerful beak of 
the Great Black Cockatoo {Microglossus aternmus) of New 
